Chapter 49 Jessica never expected Noreen to go this far with Stella. As Noreen's loyal sidekick, Jessica knew Stella all too well. Noreen was always complaining about Stella. Ernest was a total catch-handsome, rich, and talented. Honestly, every woman in Seabrook had a crush on him. Jessica had even fantasized about him herself. When she found out Stella had actually married him, jealousy consumed her, and she didn't hold back from throwing shade at Stella whenever she could. But as Jessica learned more about Stella's situation in the Lloyd family, her jealousy turned into sympathy. If she had to endure all that, she'd rather not be with Ernest at all. With that thought, Jessica shivered. When her eyes met Noreen's across the table, her tightly-held smile finally relaxed a little. The Lloyd family was filled with heartless people. Jessica knew that it was pointless to trust or build any real connection with them-sincerity meant nothing. The only thing that mattered was actual gain. Noreen didn't notice Jessica's discomfort. She casually replied, "If we're going to teach her a lesson, it needs to hit hard. Otherwise, she'll never learn." "Noreen," Jessica pretended to hesitate, "You know how much effort I put into getting this spot at Lumière Group. If this blows up, I could get fired. for "I mean, it's probably not a huge deal, but I can't help worrying. If I start holding back, it might end up messing things up you..." Jessica let the silence hang there for just a moment, giving Noreen plenty of room to read between the lines. Noreen wasn't clueless. She smirked and replied, "Cut the act. How many bags, shoes, and clothes have I already spoiled you with?" "That's just you being kind, Noreen," Jessica laughed awkwardly. "You saw I didn't have any of that stuff, so you gave it to me. Honestly, I haven't properly thanked you for it. Without your help, I'd be the joke at every party." "Alright, alright," Noreen waved her hand dismissively. "It's all just stuff I don't even want anymore. If you like it, swing by my place. Actually, there's a pair of shoes that never fit me anyway. Come by and take them." 'Really?" Jessica's face lit up with surprise. "Seriously, thank you so much, Noreen. I mean it!" Jessica's eyes went misty, voice catching as if she truly had never been treated this way before-she was really laying it on hick. Noreen felt a rush of satisfaction. A few old bags and a pair of worn-out shoes, and Jessica was practically worshiping her. Her vanity had never been so thoroughly fed. 'Noreen, about that..." Jessica brought up the topic. Noreen said, "Just go ahead and take care of it. Don't worry, I'll make sure the branch takes care of your family." 'Thanks, Noreen," Jessica replied. 'Alright, drink up. I'm outta here," Noreen said, getting up to leave. The second Noreen left, Jessica's fake gratitude dropped in a flash, replaced by icy calm. She muttered, "Some people never 1/3 Chapter 49 change. Still dumb, still way too easy to play." Thinking about those shoes, she chuckled, "They might actually be worth a good price." E 56 vouchers had already sold most of the stuff Norcen had given her, keeping only a few items to occasionally show her. Fall, Jessica's family wasn't swimming in money, and she didn't have much spending money. She had to make up for it Spichow. Even Noreen's second-hand items were nearly new, so Jessica could sell them for almost full price without losing much. The phone suddenly rang. Jessica glanced at the screen and picked it up. "How'd it go?" a man asked on the other end of the phone. "Seriously? When have I ever let you down?" Jessica replied confidently. "True. You've had that idiot wrapped around your finger for years," the man laughed. "By the way, have you mentioned me to her yet?" "Why are you in such a hurry?" Jessica smirked. "I'm already planning how to make her fall for you. Just wait for the right moment." "I knew I could count on you. I'll be waiting," the man replied. ** The next day, with no design draft in sight, Noreen called up Stella. Stella wasn't having any of it. "I've already told you-I'm never drawing another design for you. You can forget about it." "Stella, don't blame me when things get ugly-this is on you. You're the one pushing me," Noreen snapped. "What a drama queen," Stella muttered, tapping hang up without sparing her threats a single thought. It was always the same old routine-Noreen trying to scare her by dragging Ernest into it. But Stella didn't give a damn about Ernest anymore. Stella figured that was the end of it, but then Jeremy called her later that afternoon. "Stella, looks like you'll have to swing by in person today," Jeremy said, sounding a bit stressed. "What's going on?" Stella asked, confused. Jeremy rubbed his forehead, looking weary. "No clue who's stirring the pot, but office gossip about you joining is pretty harsh right now. "We've got two options. Either I buy us a couple days to calm things down and you come back after, or we just rip off the bandage and handle it head-on." He explained further, "If we go the direct route, you come in, show them what you've really got, and those rumors won't stand a chance. What do you think?" Stella flashed a confident grin. "Of course I'm picking the second option." She'd spent days prepping for her big comeback. There was no way she would back down now. "Alright, I'll meet you downstairs," Jeremy said. 2/3 "Hope I didn't keep you waiting long, Jeremy," Stella said as she arrived at the Lumière Group building. She got out of the car and spotted Jeremy waiting nearby. Jeremy rushed over when he saw her. "Stella, things have gotten messy. Someone's stirring things up behind the scenes, and now my plan's all off track. Be ready for what's ahead." There had always been plenty of whispers about Stella joining Lumière Group, but it was never this serious-Jeremy always had it under control. He hadn't shut it down completely because he wanted Stella to show up and prove everyone wrong. He planned to let her silence the doubters once and for all. Jeremy thought he had everything lined up for Stella's grand entrance tomorrow. But now, someone had gotten involved and raised the drama to a whole new level. Word was out everywhere, not just in the design team-pretty much everyone had heard something. could handle it, but as he'd said earlier, this would delay Stella's return. So, he left the decision up to Stella. 3/3 田 AD Comment Send gift No Ads